11 Mile State Park Camping

Eleven Mile State Park Camping Review 5

Eleven Mile Reservoir, to the west of Colorado Springs, is a very popular destination for campers in central Colorado. It is about an hour west of Colorado Springs on US-24. This Colorado State Park sits in the very southern end of what is known as South Park, a huge glacial plain in the Rocky Mountains. Eleven Mile State Park has over 300 campsites. You will find walk-in tent only basic sites without electricity as well as RV sites, complete with electricity. Some of the RV sites are built to accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. There is a dump station for campers and RVs, and there is plenty of fresh water around the park. The weather here is generally mild, but can be windy, and the weather can change quickly, so be prepared. There is a variety of wildlife here including bears so be sure to follow good camping habits when in bear country.

Boating At Eleven Mile State Park

While there is no swimming at Eleven Mile State Park, there are plenty of boating and rivercraft options along the reservoir. Sailboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and motorboating are all welcome at this state park.

The Eleven Mile State Park boat ramps are open until October 31st each year, at which point the park only allows kayaks, canoes, rafts, windsurfing and paddleboards, sailboards, float tubes, and windsurfing boats. In general, anything that does not need to be inspected for invasive species is allowed until the ice comes in for the season.

Lake George Cabins And Rv Park

This historic resort has been around since the 1940s, located at the corner of Highway 24 and County Road 90, only a couple minutes from town. Both RV sites and tent sites are available with the 7th night free. There are ten heated cabins for rent too, two of which are open year round. They come with private baths and kitchenettes.

• Closest Town: Lake George
• Specs: 14 RV sites with full hookups with electric, water, sewer, 3 have 50 AMP, 11 have 30 AMP Tent sites Open May 1-October 31
• Amenities: Toilets, showers, 10 cabins
• Reservations: Yes, at v2.reservationkey.com/5752/10380
• Address: 8966 Co Rd 90, Lake George, CO 80827
• Getting There: From Lake George take US-24 W for nearly a mile to CR 90. Turn left and youll come to the resort.

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Winter Activities At Eleven Mile State Park

Hunting is allowed in the park during the correct season, and hunting licenses can be purchased from the park office. Hunters should be aware of local and state requirements and restrictions before hunting at the park.

Ice fishing is a popular pastime at the park and can be undertaken once the ice level at the lake is safe for human transportation. Keep in mind that ice fishing can be dangerous, and fishers walk on the ice at their own risk.

Ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice boating are all popular activities in the park once the terrain is properly covered, and some daring visitors even ice bike along the trails and across the reservoir. It is best to ice skate from December to February, as the ice tends to be smoother, but one should always use cation when taking to the ice.

Biking At Eleven Mile State Park

Mountain biking is welcome at Eleven Mile Stake Park along 5 miles of backcountry trails, as well as around the campgrounds, at Rocky Ride, and through North Shore. With the exception of the last two areas, which are paved, a majority of the park is unpaved and there are trials that require bikes to be carried due to uneven terrain. Keep in mind there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the trails.

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Eleven Mile State Park Campgrounds

There are many campgrounds around Eleven Mile Reservoir. The lake itself is quite large, stretching almost seven miles through the south end of South Park. The campgrounds offer comparable camping experiences. All of the campsites are open and in a flat area. When the wind picks up it can get quite blustery. The campsites near the entrance of the park from US-24 up on the hill offer some protection from the wind. A few even have a tree or two!

The Rocky Ridge Campground is the only campground with electrical hookups at the campsites. It is near the entrance and away from the lake on the hill to offer some protection from the wind. Loops A, B and D have electrical hookups. If you are looking for a tree or two look for a campsite in loop C or E in the Rocky Ridge Campground.

Both the North Shore and Witchers Cove campgrounds offer lakeside sites and close access to the boat ramps. Look to reserve here if you are planning to take your boat out or want to spend a lot of time on the shore of Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Cross Creek, Howbert Point, Lazy Boy, Stoll Mountain and Rocking Chair campgrounds are a bit further away from the entrance, but they tend to be more out in the open and exposed to the weather. Each of these campgrounds offer lakeside campsites so be sure to check the maps to reserve the ones you want.

The campsites are well tended by the staff here. The tables are metal grates with the rubber coating so you dont have to deal with the previous campers messes.

Free Badger Flats Primitive Campsites

Badger Flats offers some fantastic dispersed camping in the ponderosa pine forest starting only about ten minutes from town. This is primitive BLM land, so you must pack-in, pack-out everything and there are no amenities: no water, no trash, no hookups. The drive in is fairly rough but doable for 2WD cars and larger trailers.

• Closest Town: Lake George
• Address: Forest Rd 224, Lake George, CO 80827
• Getting There: Take US-24 west from town for 6.5 miles and make a right onto County Road 31. Follow for 1.6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 224 and look for prexisting spots.

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Park Interpreter Guided Events

Visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife event calendar and under filters select Eleven Mile park and you will find all the events presented by the super awesome Park Interpreter, Charlene Barnes. Shes super knowledgeable, recruits additional talent to make the events better and is generally just super awesome. If theres an event during the time youre at Eleven Mile then you should definitely consider going to it.

Final Thoughts On Eleven Mile State Park Camping

The open campgrounds along with the often windy conditions can be rough for some to handle. However, your primary reason to be here will determine how good Eleven Mile State Park can be for your camping vacation. As a place to strictly camp, there are many better choices. However, if you want to fish, hunt, boat, or sail, this could be a great destination for you. Here at Camp Out Colorado, we try to consider the various goals campers may have, but ultimately, we look at the base camping experience.

The location is quite convenient, only an hour outside of Colorado Springs. If you live there or are visiting the area, its not so far away from civilization that forgetting something is a problem.

Eleven Mile State Park is also a great place to use as a home base when exploring the region. There are many things to do around Colorado Springs and camping out at Eleven Mile State Park could be fun and a lot less expensive than a hotel.

Eleven Mile State Park could be a great place to start to learn to camp should you be interested in getting to know the great out of doors. You can get a taste for camping, and then easily leave if the weather gets bad. And you can give your camping gear a try before heading out deeper into the back country of Colorado.

If you have been camping at Eleven Mile State Park Campground please post your likes, dislikes, and suggestions. Your fellow campers would love to hear from you!

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Camping At Eleven Mile State Park

Eleven Mile State Park offers a plethora of camping locations, including electric hookup sites, backcountry camping lots, and even winter camping. All campsites require advance reservation, and it is important to check which camping area you are reserving in order to know what amenities are located nearby. There are plenty of hiking trails that loop by the backcountry camping areas, making them ideal for the adventurous camper looking to explore more of the camp. Check out the Eleven Mile State Park website to make a reservation or to learn more.

Eleven Mile State Park Co

Camping is often seen as in the woods, with a tent, campfire, and smores. However, its not always that. Sometimes, its something unique, such as camping in the rocks at Eleven Mile State Park.

Eleven Mile State Park is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and offers a variety of activities that are made even better by the fact that its set in between the Rocky Mountains. The scenery is beautiful, and can be enjoyed while boating, hiking, biking, and camping. Heres our rundown of the state park.

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Eleven Mile: Camping Regulations

• A maximum of six people, two motorized vehicles and one camping unit allowed per site.
• All types of camping are restricted to a total of no more than 14 days. Following the 14-day period, person may not relocate within the area for seven days.
• Visitors are required to display a vehicle pass and camping permit. All vehicles must be kept strictly on campsite parking pads.
• To preserve natural vegetation, do not tie or attach anything to plants or trees.
• It is illegal to dump waste or sewage, including dishwater.
• Toilets, showers and laundry facilities at the camper services building are closed from Oct. 1 to May 1.
• Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Eleven Mile: Boating Regulations

• The reservoir is closed to boating from one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise daily.
• Boaters must observe Colorado boating statutes and regulations.
• PFDs must be worn at all times by children 13 years and under.
• Windsurfing is allowed with a full body wetsuit.
• Motorized personal watercraft is prohibited.

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What Makes It Great

The canyon is reached on a narrow gravel road that was a railroad line in the past. The canyon holds the sparkling waters of the South Platte River, and features challenges for intermediate and expert kayakers, with short stretches suitable for floating. Its a favorite spot for anglers drawn to the Gold Medal fishing, and has several campgrounds and picnic areas as well. Eleven Mile Reservoir is the centerpiece of Eleven Mile State Park. It provides great fishing and flat water paddling opportunities.

A part of the Denver Water Departments water holdings, the waters of Eleven Mile Reservoir are cold and windswept, and they cover almost 3,400 acres. The reservoir is known for its fishing riches, with kokanee salmon, trout and pike. Motorized boats are allowed at the reservoir, and it can be extremely windy, so beginners have to be aware of the possibility of rougher water. But that windswept landscape that seems to stretch to the horizon is also what makes this place addicting.

Nine campgrounds are scattered around the massive reservoir. Its wide-open views make it a great camping spot for bird-watchers and stargazers. For those who want to get away from the busy campgrounds, there are also 25 secluded backcountry sites for those who want to stay overnight.

Five miles of trails include the Black Bear Trail, a 0.6-mile path that leads to these backcountry sites .

Eleven Mile: General Rules And Regulations

• All pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Clean up after pets.
• Prohibited: Swimming, wading, scuba diving, wind surfing and water skiing discharging firearms, except when hunting.
• State traffic and game laws apply unless otherwise specified.
• Motor vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas.
• It is unlawful to use, light or ignite fireworks or explosives of any type.
• All special events require a permit.

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Fishing At Eleven Mile State Park

Both traditional and ice fishing are permitted at Eleven Mile State Park, so long as visitors follow the posted catch regulations. Fishers can catch brown, cutthroat, cutbow, and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. Snagging for Kokanee salmon is prohibited, but there are plenty of bow fishing opportunities in the park.

Competitive fishers can join some of the fishing tournaments offered at the park and can renew their fishing license at the park office. Keep in mind that all local and state regulations should be followed when fishing, and it is important to practice safe fishing, especially when ice fishing.

Pets At Eleven Mile State Park

Dogs are allowed at Eleven Mile State Park, so long as they are kept on a 6 foot or shorter leash and their waste is taken care of. Any dog on a vehicle, including a boat, or within a camping unit is allowed to be unleashed. Please keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the water for any reason whatsoever.

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Birding At Eleven Mile State Park

Eleven Mile State Park is home to both migratory and resident birds. Birders can witness everything from songbirds and raptors to waterfowl and shorebirds along the reservoir. Dedicated birders may catch a glimpse of rarer birds like the white pelican, American peregrine falcon, and even bald eagles. The park has a handy birding brochure complete with a checklist to help beginner birders keep track of their finds, as well as to provide advanced birders a way to supplement their own knowledge.

Eleven Mile State Park North Shore Overview

Eleven Mile State Park North Shore campground has 80 single-family campsites and is located next to Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir. There are not any trees in the campground, but you will have panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. and water. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each site also has a table, fire ring and grate.

Campground amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers and laundry facilities . Theres also an amphitheater, camp store and dump station.

Rocky Ridge campground is and the 11 Mile Marina are located nearby. The marina has a boat ramp, boat rentals, store, and fishing equipment rentals.

Eleven Mile State Park North Shore Area Recreation

The Park and area offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, mountain biking, windsurfing, hunting, picnicking and great fishing. Wildlife viewing is also very nice in the area. Winter activities include fish fishing, snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

• Restrooms
• Showers

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Eleven Mile State Park Rules & Regulations

• Water contact sports are not allowed.
• Boat docks are for loading or unloading only. Do not use them for mooring or fishing.
• No boating allowed from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
• All islands and the restricted area at the southeast end of the lake are off limits. Do not go there.
• Vehicles are allowed only on the designated roadways and parking areas.
• Camping is allowed only in established campsites.
• Fires are allowed only in the provided grills at the campsites.
• Keep all pets under control and on a leash of 6 feet or less at all times.
• Keep your area clean. Put all trash, garbage, fish entrails, etc. in the provided trash receptacles.
• Per state law: only 3.2% alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Eleven Mile State Park Activities

Eleven Mile Reservoir is often touted as a great place to go fishing. This is a well-deserved reputation since the lake teems with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, kokanee and pike that can be caught from both shore and from a boat. Youll need to follow the posted catch limit regulations. Should your luck not pan out, you can also try the nearby Spinney Mountain State Park. It is day use only but it is also known for great fishing.

You can hunt in Eleven Mile State Park during regular hunting seasons with a valid hunting permit. If you are heading to Eleven Mile State Park for a hunting trip, make sure that you hunt in designated hunting areas only.

This is a great place to bring your boat as well but be aware of boating with smaller or lighter craft. When the wind picks up, the lake can be treacherous for smaller watercraft. Stick close to the docks or have a plan of action should the wind pick up and force you off the lake. Its best to take larger boats out on Eleven Mile Reservoir. It is a large lake and can get pretty rough for small boats.

It is also a popular sailing location due to the wind here. Sailboats and sailboards are a common site on the lake. Keep an eye out for them if you are boating.

ATVs and off road vehicles are not permitted in the park due to the delicate nature of the area. However, its a great place to hike, horseback ride and bike.

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